Rented property focus

Concerns about the leasehold system are a hot topic in the press, mainly due to claims of rising ground rents. This month, James Parden discusses the problem and action that is being taken… As leasehold properties are commonplace around here, homeowners, including landlords with houses of this nature, should be aware of increasing ground rents and the process of buying… Read more →

Unfortunately when you rent out a property, it does not always run smoothly. In this month’s column, James Parden looks at some of the problems that can arise and possible solutions… Rent arrears If your tenant owes more than eight weeks’ rent, you have a right to take the property back. As long as you follow the correct procedure and show… Read more →

In the heat of evicting tenants it is hard to keep your head, but taking the law into your own hands can be a costly mistake. A number of cases this year have served as a reminder to landlords that you cannot evict tenants unlawfully without repercussions. In simple terms, a tenant can only be evicted if the rules set… Read more →

You are a fortunate landlord if you’ve never had to apply for a possession order. But did you know it could be suspended? In this month’s column, Alex Byard explains why… When a tenant is in breach of your agreement, you can apply for possession and an order should be granted if you have presented a satisfactory case. Although the… Read more →

A landmark case has just been decided that tested the boundaries of tenants’ human rights. In this month’s column, Alex Byard explains what it means for landlords… Last month, the Supreme Court was asked to consider if a possession order granted to a private landlord was in breach of his tenant’s human rights. The case of Macdonald v McDonald hung… Read more →

All landlords know they need to warn tenants if they want them to leave. In this month’s column, Alex Byard explains what constitutes serving notice effectively… My tenants are claiming they have not received the official notice I sent requesting they vacate my property. What should I do? One of the most common complaints I hear from landlords is that… Read more →

Apples? Check. Bread? Check. Tenancy agreement? Check? In this month’s column, Alex Byard explains why a supermarket style tenancy may be best left on the shelf… Assured shorthold tenancies are easy to come by, online and on the high street. Even supermarkets are getting in on the act. But before you sling one into your shopping basket, take time to… Read more →

Being a landlord is easy when everything is running smoothly, but when something breaks down, relations with your tenant can follow quickly. In this month’s column, Alex Byard unpicks the thorny subject of repair and replacement obligations… The cooker is broken in my rented property. Is it my duty to fix or the tenant’s? The first thing to check is… Read more →

The first months of the year can be difficult for those who struggle to pay their rent. In this month’s column, Alex Byard offers advice to landlords and tenants who are trying to recover rent arrears… My advice for tenants It might sound obvious, but if you can’t pay your rent, don’t bury your head in the sand – avoiding… Read more →

Resolutions – we make them and all too often break them before January is out. In her first column of the year, Alex Byard discusses why all landlords will be resolving to check new tenants’ right to rent… From February 1 this year, private landlords in England will have to check all adults living in their properties, whether they are… Read more →